Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Course Description

Chemistry 361 addresses the factors that may influence the rates and outcomes of chemical reactions and will provide you with the required knowledge to logically employ and understand chemical kinetics in various chemical systems. We are most familiar with chemical reactions occurring primarily in two phases: gas and liquid. We will examine both of these scenarios and the factors to consider when studying kinetics in these media. If time permits, we will discuss reactions at the solid/liquid or solid/gas interface and study reactions induced via energy obtained from light (photochemistry). It is my goal to ensure that your participation in this course enables you to be more predictive and interpretive with regards to chemical reactions. I’ll regularly assign readings and problem sets that we will discuss, and there will frequently be material presented via lecture format. We’ll also investigate papers from the literature and use them as starting points for discussions. This course requires a good understanding of algebra, calculus and physics, which you will often employ to solve assigned problems. Please make sure that you keep up with these problems and reading assignments, as they will reinforce what we discuss in class. Please do not hesitate to ask questions if there is something that needs clarification.

Student Outcomes

By the end of the course:

  • Students will be able to evaluate how a reaction progresses as a function of time and elucidate a possible pathway by which it occurs.
  • Students will be able to summarize the physical processes relevant to and which affect the rates of chemical reactions.
  • Students will be able to identify how environment affects the rates of chemical reactions

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